Facebook was also awash with pleas to keep it and Sheena Hendry took to the Argos site to vent her fury.

She told the chain: “Do you even realise how many hours of peace and quiet that catalogue gives to parents of young children who sit flicking through the toy section?”

And speaking to BBC Scotland news, she added: “I love the Argos catalogue. It’s great for browsing and getting inspiration, and the kids love it especially at Christmas.

“I wouldn’t even mind paying a couple of quid for one.”

Since Sainsbury’s snapped up Argos in a £1.4billion takeover last year, bosses have been ramping up the number of digital Argos stores sharing space in the supermarket, with 100 already open and another 150 set to open by 2019.

While shoppers have access to a catalogue, there are also banks of tablets for quick online shopping and click and collect service.

Yesterday Argos defended its catalogue-free stores and said the move was “purely a trial”.

A spokesman said: “As increasing numbers of customers choose to shop with us online, for a limited period we are testing demand for the take-home catalogues in a small number of stores.

“Catalogues continue to be available in the vast majority of our stores for customers who want them.”

Last week Yellow Pages owner Yell revealed the 51-year-old phone directory was being scrapped for a digital-only service.

A final print run of 23 million copies next year will mark the end of the go-to phone book for business numbers from accountants and builders to hairdressers, plumbers and vets.